Srinagar, March 15: The spread of the coronavirus has also hit the preparations of first-ever Global Investors Summit-2020 in Jammu and Kashmir and the major event is likely to be postponed, which was scheduled in April.
Jammu and Kashmir administration had embarked on massive preparations to organise first-ever Global Investors Summit-2020 in the Union Territory for which Centre has allotted Rs 50 crore for hosting the mega event.
A senior official of Industries and Commerce Department said the Summit was expected to be held in April this year in Srinagar and Jammu.
“The spread of coronavirus has hit the preparations badly. We had started preparations but have now been put on hold,” a senior government official told Kashmir Indepth New Service (KINS).
He said Indian Railways was also scheduled to hold a major event in Srinagar in the first week of March, which was also canceled in view spread of coronavirus.
He said the Centre has allotted Rs 50 crore for the event.
“The amount was to be spent on publicity, accommodation, travel, special cars and other arrangements for visitors,” the official said.
The official said Summit is being organised with the theme of ‘EXPLORE, INVEST and GROW’ aimed to bring together senior entrepreneurs, leaders from corporate sectors across the world.
“The event was to see strategic sectoral sessions, technical presentations, round table deliberations, partnerships, one-to-one business and signing of a memorandum of understanding,” the official said.
The official said that delegates were scheduled to be taken to picturesque spots in the valley. “Several hotels along the banks of Dal Lake were also booked for the delegates. But the event won’t be held in April now in view spread of coronavirus,” the official said.
Government has identified over 20,000 kanals of land and will be open for outside investors.
Confederation of Indian Industry has been selected as the national partner, while Earnest Young, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, and Expro have been selected as knowledge, media and event partner. Pre-summit investors meet was held in New Delhi in January.
At the meet, Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu said that the government for the first time was making an attempt to promote investment in J&K.
“This is the dawn of new era for the growth, development and overall well-being of the people of J&K,” he has said.
Government has identified 14 sectors for prioritizing efforts for the investment in J&K. These include Manufacturing, IT sector, tourism hospitality, film production, agriculture, milk poultry, wool production processing silk, handlooms, handicrafts, healthcare, medicinal plants, education, skill development infrastructure, and real estate.
“The investors Summit will provide an opportunity to allay fears and apprehensions from the minds of the outside business community about investment in J&K. It will present immense opportunities to develop contacts between the local and outside the business community and will provide not only primary employment but also generate secondary and ancillary employment opportunities for youth,” Chief Secretary B.V.R Subrahmanyam has said. (KINS)